Updated September 2022.
The Golden Circle
The Golden Circle is the most popular tourist route through Iceland that mainly consists of three sites: Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park, Haukadalur Geothermal Valley (Geysir), and Gullfoss Waterfall. It is approximately ~140 miles and can easily be completed within a day. There are some extraordinary things to do along the way, and one can spend multiple days exploring.
NOTE: This is different than the Ring Road, which is an 828-mile trip around the entire island.
To get here, you can either book a tour from Reykjavik, but for more flexibility, renting a car is the only option. While most of the attractions are free around the Golden Circle, like other parts in Iceland, one is required to pay parking fees at self-service stations to help maintain the area.
NOTE: This is different than the Ring Road, which is an 828-mile trip around the entire island.
To get here, you can either book a tour from Reykjavik, but for more flexibility, renting a car is the only option. While most of the attractions are free around the Golden Circle, like other parts in Iceland, one is required to pay parking fees at self-service stations to help maintain the area.
The plan below is best during the summer; however, for other seasons, the only thing that will change is the inability to see the Kerið (Crater), unless one removes the Silfra Fissure snorkeling and scuba diving.
Overview
- 7:00 AM - 7:30 AM: Leave Reykjavik and grab a bite at Brauð & Co
- 8:30 AM - 8:45 AM: Hakið Viewspot - viewpoint
- 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Öxarárfoss - waterfall
- 9:45 AM - 12:00 PM: Silfra Fissure - glacial melt lake for snorkeling/scuba diving
- 12:15 - 12:30 PM: Hrafnagjá Observation Deck - viewpoint
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Efstidalur - ice cream barn with lunch
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Brúarfoss - "Iceland's bluest waterfall"
- 4:15 PM - 4:50 PM: Strokkur and "Geysir" - geysers
- 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Gullfoss - iconic massive waterfall
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Hrunalaug Hot Spring or Secret Lagoon - thermal hot spring
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Minilik - Ethiopian restaurant
- 8:30 PM - 9:00 PM: Kerið - collapsed volcano
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Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park
Þingvellir National Park is Iceland's first national park and the only one recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet to form a rift valley, as the two plates continue to separate, creating the famous Silfra Fissure in 1789. Filled with purified glacial meltwater, it has become a popular snorkeling and diving destination.
Þingvellir is famous because it is the original site of Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament founded in 930 AD. It has now moved to Reykjavik, but for 900 years, this is where the Parliament would meet annually to pass laws, settle disputes, and share news. While progressive, this is also where battles were hosted and witches were prosecuted.
When visiting in autumn, this area is filled with beautiful shades of red through green across the rocky ground.
Þingvellir is famous because it is the original site of Alþingi, the Icelandic parliament founded in 930 AD. It has now moved to Reykjavik, but for 900 years, this is where the Parliament would meet annually to pass laws, settle disputes, and share news. While progressive, this is also where battles were hosted and witches were prosecuted.
When visiting in autumn, this area is filled with beautiful shades of red through green across the rocky ground.
Leave Reykjavik around 7:00 AM and drive for an hour towards Thingvellir (Þingvellir) National Park.
TIP: Pick up a baked good at Brauð & Co for breakfast before leaving!
TIP: Pick up a baked good at Brauð & Co for breakfast before leaving!
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM: Hakið (“Check it out”) Viewspot
One gets a lovely aerial view of the rift valley and can walk along the trails, but should factor that in for timing. A one-time parking fee can be paid here to park anywhere throughout the rest of Þingvellir National Park.
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9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Öxarárfoss
One of the first waterfalls to see that is located near the Silfra Fissure with well-established path. Within folklore, the waterfall is said to have prophetic powers for the next year.
At midnight on the New Year, it would run red with either wine or blood. If it was wine, there was prosperity. If it was blood, it was a warning for war. |
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9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Silfra Fissure
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Through Arctic Adventures, they go in groups of 6 with awesome and knowledgeable guides. Other companies you can check out are Adventure Vikings,Troll Expeditions, and Dive.is.
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12:15 PM – 12:30 PM: Hrafnagjá Observation Deck
Beautiful view of Þingvellir with rocks marking the tectonic plate ridges.
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30-minute drive from Hrafnagjá Observation Deck to around Brúarfoss
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Efstidalur
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a farm for food sourced from their own farm and homemade ice cream.
2:00 – 4:00 PM: Brúarfoss
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Brúarfoss view from the bridge
4.4-mile round-trip trek to reach one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, known as Iceland's Bluest Waterfall. With a small ravine separating the waterfalls, it almost appears as if the river is parted with the waterfall falling into an abyss Brúarfoss means "bridge falls", The waterfall's name comes from a former natural stone arch bridge. Legend has it that it was destroyed in 1602 by a member of the Skálholt episcopal who wanted to prevent starving peasants suffering during a famine to cross over and reaching the bountiful lands. Along the way, there is the smaller Hlaptungufoss and Miðfoss. While the hike isn’t too rigorous, be prepared for mud, especially after a rainy day. Boots are highly recommended. NOTE: The parking lot is located right after crossing the bridge, and one should follow their GPS to the parking lot, not the final destination. |
15-minute drive from Brúarfoss to Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
4:15 - 4:45: Haukadalur Geothermal Valley
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Haukadalur is known in historic writings since 1294, in which the main "Geysir" began erupting after being activated from an earthquake. Due to its unpredictability, unnatural efforts were taken to stimulate it, like lowering the water table in 1935 and pumping soap in 1981. Due to these man-made efforts, the Geysir is considered dormant today.
Since the main and original Geysir has become dormant, Strokkur now takes center stage as the main erupting geyser in the park. It erupts every 2-8 minutes, so wait around long enough and you'll see some spectacular jets of water shoot into the air. |
Strokkur Geyser
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NOTE: The word “Geyser” in English is derived from the Icelandic word “Geysir” meaning “to erupt”.
One can also grab a quick bite and use the restroom at the visitor center across the road.
One can also grab a quick bite and use the restroom at the visitor center across the road.
10-minute drive from Haukadalur Geothermal Valley to Gullfoss
5:00 - 5:30 PM: Gullfoss
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Translated to "Golden Waterfall" because of the golden evening hue on the water, this grand waterfall is reminiscent of Niagara Falls having water fall over 100 feet in two stages (36 feet then 69 feet).
There are multiple trails with an upper and lower deck. One can walk right up to the rushing water and watch it plummet down the side of the canyon. The waterfall became a recognized site due to the efforts of Sigríður Tómasdóttir, an Icelandic environmentalist and daughter of Tómas Tómasson (the farmer who previously owned the land). Her activism preserved Gullfoss waterfalls, protecting it from industrialization and the construction of the dam. Seen as Iceland's first environmentalist, a sculpture memorializes her near the waterfall. NOTE: In winter, the lower observation deck is closed because of icy conditions. |
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FUN FACT: This is the waterfall that appeared in Book 3 Chapter 4 “Sokka’s Master” of Avatar the Last Airbender as the waterfall Pian Dao tells Sokka to paint.
Gullfoss
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Waterfall in Sokka's Master (Source: Nickelodeon - Avatar the Last Airbender B3C4)
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30-minute drive from Gullfoss to Flúðir
Flúðir
6:00 - 6:45: Hot Spring Relaxation
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Small natural hot spring composed of 3 shallow pools to sit or float. The pool water is rainwater that is heated by the warm rock. Although previously a hidden gem, it has become a tourist attraction, but since it is still on private land, one should treat it with respect. For payment, one can drop ~$10 in cash into a dropbox at the parking lot. It is based on the honor system, but these payments help keep the springs open.
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Oldest hot spring in Iceland that is composed of one pool with smaller hot geysers that one can walk around and see. It is 4 feet deep throughout with smooth pebbles at the bottom. There is changing room, locker, and showers. Entrance costs ~$25 USD.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Minilik
Try the delicious Ethiopian food in the restaurant located in Flúðir for dinner. There are a variety of other options, but this restaurant has some of the best food around!
One can also try Farmer's Bistro, a delicious Skandinavian cafe that one should make a reservation beforehand.
One can also try Farmer's Bistro, a delicious Skandinavian cafe that one should make a reservation beforehand.
30-minute drive from Flúðir to Kerið
8:30 – 8:45 PM: Kerið
A collapsed volcano offering hikes around the room and into the crater with a lake at the bottom. It is open during sunlight hours.
1-hour drive from Kerið back to Reykjavik
Langjökull
The second largest glacier in Iceland that feeds the 3 main attractions along the Golden Circle that can be visited year-round. One can partake in a snowmobiling experience to visit the man-made ice tunnel as a group instead of the snorkeling or scuba diving activity.
Mountaineers is the best option as they have a pick-up location at Gullfoss upper parking lot, making it much easier to access the glacier.
For Into the Glacier and Arctic Adventures, their meeting location is at Húsafell center or Klaki base camp, neither of which are on the Golden Circle and can take longer to reach.
Mountaineers is the best option as they have a pick-up location at Gullfoss upper parking lot, making it much easier to access the glacier.
For Into the Glacier and Arctic Adventures, their meeting location is at Húsafell center or Klaki base camp, neither of which are on the Golden Circle and can take longer to reach.
Additional Resources
Given the popularity of the Golden Circle, many travel sites have created their own plans for traveling around the Golden Circle. Check out the following helpful guides:
- Guide to Iceland
- Acitivity Iceland
- Adventure Iceland - provides tour options
